chapter 4

Chapter 4 was intresting to me as well as confusing. I finished the chapter and in our last class we dicussed it. I tell you the discussion made far more sense than the chapter. I know that assessments are needed and necessary but it can be so confusing! As was stated in chapter 3 and again in chapter 4, that the appropriate interpretation is based on the teacher's experiences, training, and dedication. This goes back to what Dr. Wilson was saying about glorified babysitters! There are the new teachers in the class who will be determined to find different ways to assess and be excited. Then you will have the teachers who are just going through the motions, may use just one strategie and the student will be lost in the shuffle.
This chapter also discusses the use of BRIGANCE, AIMsweb, and DIBELS. They have alot of the same purpose and as we discussed can be adjusted to the need of the student. The one that I have never heard of is the computer based assessment. I think that if used right and with the right student it could be very effective. Especially for those students who don't care to read a book just are not interested in reading, it would be perfect. A prime example is my brother. He is 24 years old, dyslexic and was diagnosed as ADHD when he was in grade school. He was shuffled through the years and was never held back. So he slide through all the way to high school and graduated. He is still a struggling reader and speller. The one thing that he does like a pro is surf the net. If there is something that is is interested in he will make it a point to figure out how to find out the information he wants to learn about. He loves history and before he goes to the library to check out a book, he is on the computer surfing. Guess what he has to spell and read! If it holds his interest, no problem but if it doesn't he could care less
Hopefully with the use of computer assessments those who fear or dislike opening up a book will still be able to show their abilities. I think it is great. Remember not all students learn alike so we shouldn't expect students to be assessed the same and expect the same results.